FIRST TIME VISIT TO DUBAI

"Visiting Dubai for the first time and don’t know where to start? Here are a few things that you definitely need to know before visiting this place"

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven emirates that make up the country. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an unbelievable pace in the tourist and trade sectors especially. Recently Dubai won the bid to host EXPO 2020, a Universal scale Registered Exposition approved by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), Paris.

Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, and some sporting events also.

District composition of Dubai

Jumeirah

Jumeirah is a small residential area which lies near the coast. Its population is diverse, and mainly consists of Europeans and Pakistanis. Many beautiful places like Jumeirah beach and Jumeirah mosque are some top attractions for the visitors.

Downtown Dubai

This is the centre of the modern Dubai. It lies between Dubai Marina which is its southern end and the city of Sharjah lying at its northern end. It includes the Burj Khalifa the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and many other skyscrapers and hotels.

Dubai Marina:

Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city, built along a two-mile stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline. It is full of skyscrapers and hosts the "Jumeirah Beach Walk" with a number of restaurants, hotels an open-air market ad hosts frequent shows.

Satwa

This is Dubai’s little India due to the presence of Indian restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Gold and textiles is what people come here for.

Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai houses the Ruler’s office where matters of state are decided. The old fort, now the Dubai Museum, traces the city’s development. There is a bustling business hub, a textile souk, and a street full of electronics shops,

Deira

Deira describes the sub-districts lying immediately north of the Creek (a saltwater creek in Dubai). In order to get a glimpse of Dubai’s most colourful encounters, the old souks and cruising the Creek, a visit here is a must.

Climate

Dubai has an arid sub -tropical climate with very hot and humid summer, which starts from April and lasts till October. Between May and July, sandstorms can hit Dubai. Throughout November and December, Dubai experiences rainfall which is massively increased in January and February which are the wettest seasons of the year. Winter occurs between January and March, where the average temperature is around 20 degrees.

Fun stuff to do in Dubai

Beaches

There are so many water sport opportunities in Dubai as it has some of the best beaches of the world. The seas in Dubai usually look very calm but even strong swimmers have been swept out to sea by strong rip tides and currents. So visitors will have to take great care.

Natural outdoors

There are amazing natural destinations in the emirate of Dubai. The Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful nature reserve and wetland in Dubai. Pink flamingos are the highlight of any visit to this sanctuary in winters. Also Dubai Desert Conservation Centre is a natural habitat for the flora and fauna of the region. In addition to this, it also has many exotic migratory birds visiting it during different times of the year. The unique Al Sahra Desert Resort is set amidst 37 million square feet of peaceful sand dunes and offers a wonderful experience when it comes to activities in the desert.

Parks

Al Safa Park is one of the oldest in Dubai. It's a favourite for sports enthusiasts, and many visitors enjoy playing tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Children love playing games in the video arcade, or riding the ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park even has a maze to wander through.

Camel Races

The Camel Race Track is one of the more unusual attractions, with races being held on Thursday and Friday in the winter. Not only can you watch the races, but you'll have the opportunity to visit the paddocks.

Dune Bashing

Dubai is well known of its Desert Safaris and extreme adventure sports in the desert. The most popular extreme adventure tour is called the dune bashing. Dune bashing involves guiding your off-roading vehicle over sand dunes, and uses different things like 4X4 Safari Jeeps, Sand Boards, Quad Bikes and Dune Buggies

Fishing

Fishing in Dubai allows you to find some of popular fishes including queen fish, snappers, tuna, cobia, emperor, Spanish mackerel and barracuda fishes.

Ski

Dubai now has its own snow skiing centre. Located in the new Mall of the Emirates on the Sheikh Zayed Road, it offers both skiing and snowboarding. The slope is quite large for an indoor area. All equipment is available for hire.

Wild Wadi

Wild Wadi Park is the perfect place for the entire family to spend a day as well as being a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the day away from the bustle of the city. Located close to the hotels and resorts of Jumeriah Beach, the park has water rides, slides, and a lagoon that's hidden away

Dubai Zoo

Dubai Zoo is an outdoor zoo near the beach. Considering the extreme temperatures during the summer months, there are plans to bring the zoo indoors.

Shopping

The first thing that comes to the mind when thinking about Dubai is shopping. The best things to buy in Dubai are textiles, electronics and gold, electronics is believed to be much cheaper while textiles and gold offer a wide range of selection. Dubai Shopping Festival has been the biggest shopping event in the Middle East since 1996. Almost every shop has a sale, starting in January and ending February.

Textile Shopping

Satwa is the main district for textile shopping.It's streets are rowed by textile shops notably opposite the Satwa Mosque. Some tailoring shops on the corners are also found if you want a dress made as soon as possible. Raw silk might also be available in some shops. Because of the row of textile shops, it might be Dubai's version of Little India and Little Manila as many Indians reside in this district as well as Filipinos.

Gold Souk

Gold Souk is a historic market that has been a part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it dazzles people by selling gold in large quantities and with little visible security. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Most of the gold is 22ct quality and quite expensive. Many of these outlets are part of chains that also have branches in malls, so are generally reliable.

Spice Souk

As above, not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it is not far from the Gold Souk, but has sadly declined a bit in recent years as supermarkets take over the spice trade.

What to eat?

Shawarma is the most available food item on almost all streets (and cheap!) in Dubai. It is the Arabic equivalent of the Burger. It is meat that has been cooked on a skewer and then cut into thin strips and placed into a kuhbus (pita) bread with vegetables and dressing

Falafel is another local food item to keep a lookout for. It is made by deep frying chickpeas and/or fava beans and is traditionally served in pita bread.

Hummus is a Middle Eastern and Arabic food dip is loved by people across the globe. Typically made by blending mashed chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic, hummus is best enjoyed with pita bread

Bubble Tea which is also known as pearl milk tea or boba milk tea, bubble tea is a one-of-a-kind drink that is originally from Taiwan. The refreshing drink has a tea base mixed with fruit or milk that is poured over tapioca pearls or fruit jellies.

Most of the American fast food chains have set up shop in Dubai, including KFC, Chillies, TGI Fridays, Starbucks, and McDonalds.

Enjoy your first trip to Dubai, explore its unique attractions and we are sure that your first trip to Dubai will definitely not be your last one. The pomp and glamour of Dubai will definitely call you back!!